American Council on Science and Health, 2011: Week 43

The presence of linked articles here are merely a way of showing what is going on, whether I agree or disagree with the positions presented. Rich Kozlovich

Gel is swell against both HIV and herpes
A vaginal gel designed to reduce HIV infection may provide a surprisingly effective protection from genital herpes infection as well, reports a recent study published in Cell Host and Microbe.

More women getting genital growths — but why?
In a disconcerting trend, there has been an increase in the number of women experiencing precancerous growths on the genitals.

Doctors should advise patients about vaccines — not vice-versa
As surprising as it is that many parents in the United States still have doubts about vaccines, despite the overwhelming evidence of their efficacy and safety, a recent survey of doctors has discovered a frightening trend: It's not only parents who hold mistaken beliefs about vaccines; it's their doctors, too - especially the younger ones.

Grounds for optimism in new MS drug trial
In the midst of the usual scientific lingo and jargon, scientists heard a "wow" following a report of a new treatment possibility for multiple sclerosis.

Field testing the organic industry’s claims
Is there any substance to pro-organic activists who damn the conventional use of pesticides but condone the lax inspection standards for high priced organic crops? Mischa Popoff says he's observed this disconnect first-hand. Popoff, a former organic farm and processing inspector, left his position out of frustration with the absence of effective enforcement of field testing standards for the organic industry. In this opinion piece, he discusses what's wrong with the current methods and

Fuzzy (and fizzy) thinking about soda
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley took up his "Pouring on the Pounds" campaign once again yesterday to coincide with the nation's first Food Day, which its organizers purport promotes healthy food and eating habits.

Choose your weapon: Coke or Pepsi? A soda study with a lot of gas
We've previously read some claims that soda consumption is tied to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, but we've yet to hear one this ridiculous: Drinking lots of soda may increase the risk of violent behavior among teenagers.

Another anti-BPA “study”
Anti-bisphenol A (BPA) crusaders continue their march, charging that the plastic additive is responsible for a slew of adverse health effects.

One egg, now over easy
Good news for women considering in vitro fertilization (IVF): Improved technology has increased the likelihood that they'll give birth to a healthy singleton - from just one implanted embryo - instead of having to navigate the health risks associated with multiple births.

HPV vaccine: Not just for girls
We were pleased to hear that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended routine vaccination for pre-teen boys against the human papillomavirus (HPV).

New findings in HPV research
While there's a well established link between HPV and cervical, genital, anal, and pharyngeal cancer, Dr. Kenichi Fujise, a cardiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, has found that women infected with the virus also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

A sobering surprise: Regular mammography saves few lives
Very few women whose breast cancer was detected by routine mammography have actually had their lives saved by the screening, conclude the authors of a study just published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The reality of rotavirus
A CDC report just published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases has updated the estimated number of deaths worldwide that are attributable to rotavirus-related diarrhea in children younger than five years.

X the X-ray for lung cancer detection
Although the premise may seem logical - screen people routinely for lung cancer in order to treat it early - regular chest X-rays do not in any way reduce lung cancer mortality, a recent report in JAMA confirms.

Have a heart, FDA: Let the recycling of pacemakers proceed
Used pacemakers may be a safe option for poor patients in developing countries, a new study suggests.
http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.3119/news_detail.asp

We are not a fan of the tan
If there is anyone who still isn't convinced that tanning beds significantly increase a person's risk of skin cancer, a recent study provides even more conclusive evidence.

No wonder you can’t keep weight off — your hormones have other ideas
It turns out that losing weight and keeping it off is not only a question of willpower.

A positive review of how to fight the assault on science in America
Perhaps the most important point of Shawn Lawrence Otto's Fool Me Twice: Fighting the Assault on Science in America is that the voting public can, in fact, take up arms against politicians who would sway their constituents with sheerly rhetorical claims about public policy decisions that should be based instead on the relevant science.

Too many unfilled prescriptions reveal a troubling trend
When it comes to filling prescriptions for new medications, a new study finds that about one in four of us never actually complete the task.

The wrong approach to looking for nuclear problems
Rewind to 1991, when a National Cancer Institute study concluded that there was no danger in living near nuclear power plants.

Aspirin chemoprevention works for those with genetic colon cancer
People suffering from Lynch Syndrome, a genetic disease carried by about one in every 1000 people, have at least a 10-fold increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), compared to the general population.

If there is a health scare today, the American Council on Science and Health will most likely have the answer by tomorrow; and for members it will appear in your e-mail. No effort on your part, except to read the answer. All that the ACSH is interested in are the facts and they are prepared to follow them wherever they lead. Who can ask for more?  Please Donate Now!

###